Psoriasis vs Eczema

Psoriasis and eczema are very common skin-related diseases, they affect a large proportion of people worldwide. Looking to their symptoms and characteristics, they are almost similar and hardly to be differentiated. Many people easily confused between psoriasis and eczema when they just look at the skin appearance. Even though the diseases are almost identical in terms of appearance, in fact they are significantly different when it comes to causes and treatment approaches.

Psoriasis vs Eczema: The Similarities

Before going further to differentiate between psoriasis and eczema, it is better if we first analyze their similarities. By doing this, we can specifically identify both diseases and differentiate them from other skin diseases. In other words, this can aid us to be more focus on both diseases.

Patches - Rough red patches are common manifestations of both diseases which indicate affected skin areas.
Flaking - Patients of both conditions commonly will notice that flaky, dry and rough areas grow on some areas on the surface of their skin.
Rashes - Rashes are the most common characteristics of both psoriasis and eczema. These are usually develop together with reddish and irritating outbreaks on the skin surface.

Psoriasis vs Eczema: The Differences

Even though psoriasis and eczema are almost identical in terms of their signs and symptoms, but still there are differences between them.

1. Silvery appearance
Physically, due to imbalance of chemicals in the body, psoriasis usually occur as silver-colored skin that can easily peeled and form into flakes. In contrast, eczema does not necessarily have silvery appearance even though it may have the same crusty or scal patches as seen in psoriasis.

2. Underlying causes
Researchers believed that psoriasis develops due to disturbances in immune system which lead to the abnormal development of lymphocytes, a type of immune system cells. This is not the case in eczema, which is said to be triggered by allergic reactions due to the presence of allergens such as dust, dirts, and chemicals.

3. Age of patients
Psoriasis and eczema can be differentiated in terms of the prevalence rate among age of patients. Psoriasis patients are usually among adults, while eczema is commonly observed among children. However, this statement does not deny the fact that both conditions can be experienced at any age.

Psoriasis vs Eczema: Cure for Psoriasis and Eczema

Due to the fact that psoriasis and eczema have different underlying causes, it is apprehended if both conditions require different medical treatment approaches. For psoriasis, the itchiness can be relieved by using topical creams that can be purchased as over-the-counter products. Besides, together with photo-therapy or exposure to UVB light, psoriasis patients are encouraged to regularly apply moisturizers especially those containing natural ingredients such as aloe vera and jojoba. In severe psoriasis conditions, the use of oral retinoid like soriatane may be needed to improve the quality of life of the patients.

On the other hand, treatments for eczema are usually with anti-histamines, anti-inflammatory creams and some home remedies that are often oil-based.

This article is intended to provide only surface facts regarding psoriasis and eczema for you. It does not intended to replace any medical professional advices. If you suspect you may have either of the conditions, it is better if you first consult doctors to confirmly verify the diagnosis so that the correct treatment approaches can be selected.



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Diet for Psoriasis Patients

Having healthy diet for psoriasis patients is vital for the treatment and cure of the disease. Improper diet can lead to ingestion of food containing toxins which can cause organic imbalance and further worsen the unhealthy skin condition. Nutritionists suggest that psoriasis patients should take natural diet especially those foods that are rich with antioxidant properties as they are able to neutralize accumulated toxins in the body. Apart from that, it is recommended to reduce certain types of food which can cause intestinal imbalance that will worsen or trigger the onset of psoriasis.

Healthy Diet for Psoriasis Patients

1. Vitamin A
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is well known as a beneficial diet for psoriasis patients. Those foods rich with vitamin A can help to prevent and improve the symptoms of psoriasis. Vegetables that are red, orange or yellow are said to have high content of carotenoids which will be converted into vitamin A by the body. Such examples include carrots, watercress, tomatoes, asparagus, coriander and squash. Apart from the vegetables, animal-source foods like liver, egg yolk, fish (especially blue fish) and butter are also recommended as source of vitamin A.

2. Omega-3 fatty acid
Foods that contain this kind of nutrient has anti-inflammatory action which is good for alleviating symptoms of psoriasis. Furthermore, they are also rich in vitamin D. Psoriasis patients usually have difficulties to naturally produce vitamin D, thus consuming foods that are rich with omega-3 and vitamin D could benefit them. Cold-water or blue fish such as sardines, tuna, salmon and herrings are the best source of omega-3 fatty acids. 

3. Selenium
Selenium helps to maintain the elasticity of the skin and prevents the negative effects due to oxidation. Therefore, it can be a healthy diet for psoriasis patients. Squash, barley, grapes, garlic, oats, peaches, corn and soybean are foods that are rich in selenium.

4. Zinc
Psoriasis patients usually have problem to retain zinc in their body, thus taking supplementary of this nutrient is encouraged. Zinc can help to eliminate dandruff and therefore it is good to help alleviating psoriasis of the scalp. Foods rich in zinc are celery, asparagus, potatoes, peanuts, eggplant, sunflower and grains. For non-vegetarians, seafood contains a very high amount of zinc.

5. Vitamin C
Similar to vitamin A, vitamin C is also a good antioxidant which can help to alleviate psoriasis. Citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons and grapefruits are good sources of this type of vitamin and they are highly recommended as diet for psoriasis patients.

6. Water
Psoriasis patients are encouraged to drink plenty of water, at least 6-8 glasses per day. Drinking a lot of water helps to keep the skin hydrated, prevents dry skin and reduces itchiness.

Non-Healthy Diet for Psoriasis Patients

1. Meat, milk and fats
Meat
Psoriasis patients have higher risk of getting heart disease compared to normal people. Thus, they are not encouraged to eat foods which have high fat content. Furthermore, these kind of foods has arachidonic acid, which can trigger inflammation reactions and worsen the symptoms of psoriasis. Psoriasis patients are recommended to eat low-fat diet together with a moderate protein intake. Chicken and turkey have lower content of fat compared to beef or lamb. If you want to have chicken or turkey, please make sure to do not eat them with their skin on, as the skin contains high fat level.

2. Alcohol and caffeine
Alcohol
Alcohol and caffeine should be avoided in diet for psoriasis patients since they can cause dehydration and worsen the symptoms of psoriasis. Both drinks also can increase the risk of heart disease among psoriasis patients. Furthermore, alcohol can increase blood flow to the skin which may lead to increased redness and itchiness.

3. Fast food
Fast food such as burger, fries, cakes and chocolate should not be in the diet for psoriasis patients due to the fact that they contain high fat and cholesterol. Eating such foods will cause the patients to gain weight, which will make psoriasis be more difficult to be treated. In addition, high intake of fat and cholesterol can put psoriasis patients at higher risk of getting heart disease. Thus, fats and cholesterol should be limited to the minimum level only.

4. Spices
They increase blood flow to the skin, so they are not encouraged as diet for psoriasis patients.

5. Tobacco
Tobacco is toxic, so they should be avoided by psoriasis patients.

This article only provides a little insights regarding healthy diet for psoriasis patients. If you try this kind of diet, you may see some good results. If you want some more effective tips and methods to take care of your psoriasis problems, kindly click the link below.



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Is Psoriasis Contagious?

When it is regarding health, most people absolutely want to protect their loved ones from suffering the same condition. For psoriasis patients, being diagnosed with the disease can be traumatizing, and when thinking that it maybe transmitted to the surrounding people, it can add up the stress. Those patients may wonder, is psoriasis contagious? Before answering this question, it is vital to understand what psoriasis is all about.

What is psoriasis and is it contagious?
As one of the most chronic skin diseases which affects a large number of people and causes bad surface symptoms, it is normal when many people questioning whether psoriasis is contagious or not. Looking the skin of psoriasis patients, with the lesions and scales, many people think that psoriasis is contagious. This stigma causes patients with psoriasis to feel depressed and being isolated. In fact, psoriasis is not contagious as it is not caused by bacteria, virus or fungi, instead it is due to disturbance in individual's immune system.

Is psoriasis contagious?
In normal people, the body regularly produces new skin cells which moves upward. Skin cells have high growth rate, their life span is almost thirty days. Thus, the old skin cells on the top surface are expected to die off and and gradually shed off, so that the new cells beneath the skin surface can replace them.

However, in psoriasis patients, this normal cycle does not occur. Due to abnormal immune system, which can be triggered by alcoholism, improper diet, smoking and insufficient vitamin D, the newly formed skin cells are rapidly developed and pushed upward to the surface. In the other hand, the old skin cells on the surface do not have enough time to shed off. Thus, this causes a pile up of the cells which can be characterized by flaky, white and dry areas. These areas are actually known as psoriasis.

In conclusion, based on its pathophysiological course, psoriasis is not a contagious disease. Since it is an autoimmune disease, it cannot be transmitted from one person to other like bacterial or viral infections. This fact should remove the stigma on psoriasis patients, they should not be abandoned nor be humiliated. Instead, they should be helped to find effective ways to reduce the burden of the disease. The most important thing is, people should understand the disease. Last but not least, if you are asked, "Is psoriasis contagious?", you can confidently answer that it is not.



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Psoriasis Natural Treatment-Mother Nature

Herbal remedies from mother nature also can serve as great psoriasis natural treatment options. If you are interested to take any herbal remedies for your psoriasis, it is good if you discuss with your doctors first. This is to avoid any possible dangerous interactions that may occur with your medications. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, taking herbs for psoriasis is not encouraged. This is the same if you are having pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure or mood disorders. Immediately stop using herbal remedies and inform your doctors if you feel any unpleasant side effects.

Here are some parts of mother nature that are good as psoriasis natural treatment options:

1. Turmeric
Turmeric
Due to its antiinflammatory and antioxidant abilities, turmeric is considered as one of the best psoriasis natural treatments. Studies showed that these abilities are contributed by curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric. Apart from that, the ingredient also has the ability to alter TNF cytokine gene expression, which contribute to reduced psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis flares. To get the benefits, you can take it directly in form of concentrated pill or supplement, or indirectly in form of powder added to your food. FDA suggests 1.5 to 3.0 grams of turmeric per day to be effective, but it is better if you get advices from a naturopathic practitioner.

2. Aloe vera
Aloe vera
Gel extracted from the aloe plant is believed to help reduce redness and scaling associated with psoriasis. It is recommended to apply the gel onto skin up to three times daily. Alternatively, you can search for creams containing 0.5% aloe. Be remember to do not consume aloe in tablet form, as it has no benefit and may cause dangerous unwanted effects.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar
Many people claim that apple cider vinegar can help to relieve scalp itch due to psoriasis. You can apply the liquid directly onto your scalp several times a week. You can dilute the vinegar with water on a one-to-one ratio; this can reduce burning sensation associated with the vinegar. Or you can rinse the skin once the solution has dried in order to prevent the uncomfortable sensation. If applied properly, this cheap remedy may give positive results within a few weeks. As a precaution reminder, please do not use this remedy if your scalp skin is cracked, bleeding or has open wounds as it will only irritate your skin and cause a burning sensation.

4. Capsaicin
Capsaicin
Capsaicin is the ingredient responsible for hot sensation in chili peppers. A study from the University of Medical Center Freiburg, Germany found that applying OTC creams containing capsaicin can reduce pain, inflammation, redness and scaling which are the symptoms of psoriasis. This positive effect of capsaicin is believed due to its ability to block nerve transmission of pain. However, more studies are required to evaluate its long-term effectiveness and safety.

5. Dead Sea Salts
One of the most frequently suggested psoriasis natural treatment remedies is Dead Sea salt, or Epsom salt. If you have this salt, you can pour it into bath water and soak in the tub for at least 15 minutes. If regularly done, this can aid in removing lesions and reducing itching. After you get out of the tub, please be remember to apply moisturizer as soon as possible.

6. Oats
Oats
Oats are famously known as the best natural skin soothers. Even though there is no medical studies to support the use of oats as psoriasis reliever, however many patients claim that applying an oat paste or taking a bath in oats can help to sooth their itchiness and reduce redness.

7. Tea Tree Oil
Tea Tree Oil
Extracted from the leaves of a plant found in native of Australia, tea tree oil is believed to have antiseptic properties which means it can be applied to the skin. Many people claim that using shampoo containing tea tree oil can help to relieve from scalp psoriasis. If you are interested to use the herbal remedy, please be cautious as some people may develop allergic reactions towards it.

These are some herbal remedies that can serve as psoriasis natural treatments. Herbal remedies are safe and effective if you choose correctly and use them properly. If you want to have more tips and systematic guidelines regarding psoriasis natural treatment, kindly click here.


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